Author: Olivia

I work for a long standing computer/electronic repair company in my city. I've been at this company since December of 2020. I applied here because I was looking for work in my field after returning to my home city and because COVID and other factors had closed my previous place of employment multiple times and I needed consistent work for more than 12/h to survive in this area. So I saw a listing on Indeed at Charlotte Street Computers for a PC Repair Technician with a salary range of 15-20h. This was acceptable and I didn't have much time to pick and choose. When I was in highschool I had known about this company and back when I would have done anything to get onto even the geeksquad due to my interest in computers… it seemed like a god send. So, I applied and very shortly after received a phonecall/e-mail…

I'm sorry that customer was such a dick to you when you brought my food out. That guy was unhinged and the fact that you have to put up with that crap is why you deserve a living wage. I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you, but I have to be careful as a woman especially around men like that. When he came back out, he was trying to laugh and joke with me like he wasn't foaming at the mouth five minutes earlier. Straight sociopath. I really hope your manager was supportive and that you can go somewhere better soon.

So. I run my own insurance agency but it's more of a side hustle. A few weeks ago I decided it would be smart to probably get something with more stable income rather than rely on my shaky commissions. Got hired at a flag and banner factory. The offer was a decent one 42k for training with a raise to 50 after completion and healthcare so I accepted. The commute was 30 minutes without traffic and 50 with but despite this I was on time every single day without issue. But my problem started on day 1. I was told that since the position I was hired for was partially management I would be required to go and learn how each part of production was done. I would be expected to know how to operate each machine in case someone was sick or on vacation. This seemed reasonable to me…

I'm currently working a remote location far from home, so I get a housing allowance, per diem and a rental car. It's the price they pay for me not being able to go home every night. But the point is that I don't see a difference between getting paid for my commute here on location and commuting to work from home, which I don't get paid for. But I should. We all should. I genuinely love my job, but it still commands too much of my life. If it wasn't for the union, things would be really abusive. I'm pulling for the Starbucks and Amazon workers to win the unionization fight. THEY CAN AFFORD IT. If you get the chance to join, do it. They need you more than you need them.

How many of y’all were given a two weeks notice upon being laid off? A two week lay off notice would’ve been nice when covid was coming around. Two weeks to prepare finances, to wrap up loose ends, to prepare a resume. Did we get one? No. If a company doesn’t give you a two week notice why should we give them one.